First Mod, First Sketchup

[ComputerGuru64x2]

Alright, Somehow the other day I couldn't deny I wanted to do a nice mod on a crappy case. So, I read the entire Wiki on Modding and got some ideas, and made a budget. Well my budget is $75, and I have salavaged alot from previous builds. Now after I got a budget and my materials I started to plan.
For right now though, here is what I have laying around the house.

What I have
ASUS nVidia nForce board Socket A w/ Barton 1.8 Ghz Processor and HSF mATX
SilenX Blue Led 80mm Fan, SilenX Blue 92mm Fan
Fan Grills 80mm(2) Blue UV Power Supply Sleeving Materials
Fan Controller

What I Need
RAM, 256, 512, Something Good (Corsair, Crucial OCZ, Mushkin)
Case, Found One - hec 7K09 Black 0.7mm Thickness SECC MicroATX Media Center / HTPC Desktop Computer Case 270W Power Supply - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811121027)
Molex Pin Removal Kit, Found One SUNBEAMTECH.com PMTK PSU Modding Tool Kit - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16899884001)
Black IDE Optical Drive
Blue Electrical Tape, 92mm Fan Grill
Acrylic, and Possibly screws.

Ok, now that I have the product list, I got to the planning which is neccesarly the funnest part, but is the most important part, So I took my time and looked at the Wiki and decided to download Google Sketchup 6, and learn a little. I kinda got the hang of it after 10 or so documents in it. I got the deminisions of my case and started drawing. I took my time so this took me right around 3 hours to do.

Ok the first drawing I have is this

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/7656/isotw9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Not bad, I try to replicate the case as much as a could, as you can se there is a grayish pad in the front, that is where the 80mm fan will be when I get a planned out.

I tried to replicate the back too, I did notice on the specs of the case that it is low profile, which shouldn't be a problem because I really don't think I'll be upgrading this thing.

http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/4373/backcaseqi6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I tried to do the power supply, Not that advanced Lol, but It is a FlexATX power supply that comes with the case, which is awesome because I don;t have to buy one.

That's what I have for right now but What I plan to do is To try to make a windows over the top out of clear acrylic plexi-glass. Then put that 92mm fan over to the side. I think it will look nice, but we will have to see.

Also, If any of you guys know of any guide to make a window out of, I would really appreciate and help to know how to do this. Hope this turns out well, I will get some pictures of the materials of what I have. Right now, I only have $17, so I will have to save up for the Case, Memory, Optical, and Tools.

Oh and one more Picture.

http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/6388/backflatin1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/6388/backflatin1.1eab542f97.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=511&i=backflatin1.jpg)

I don't think I did a good job on the fan, I didn't bother to do the I/O panel.

Thanks

Chris

[ComputerGuru64x2]

Little update here, I finshed the window and fan placement after New Years Brunch with the Family. This is what I plan to do right here, so I'll start a worklog as soon as I get the case.

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/1977/windowandfanpe2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


Not bad for the first Mod ever. Im going to be using a Dremel to cut the acrylic and Case. After that, I'll make the fan placement and the screw holes. Im thinking about ordering from estreetplastics.com but Im not sure.

The fan grill is not shown in this picture, because Im still learning the whole SketchUp concept.

[SgtM]

Looks good. Welcome to TBCS.

[DZ469]

A good guide for window cutting is right here (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10012&page=2). Watch the video it helps a lot. Of course he uses a jigsaw but you can use a dremel too. I do. Have you thought about using a 120mm fan on the top? It looks like you have enough room and IMO 120s are a lot better at cooling and a lot quieter than smaller fans. It seems that there should be something else, idk. Maybe paint it. But this isnt my project so do what you want.

[ComputerGuru64x2]

I did think of that DZ469, But I already have a 92mm fan with Blue Leds, and Im on a strict budget of $75... Oh and thanks for the video that helps out alot.. +Rep

Now, For All. I have my final List of what Im buying

From FrozenCpu.com
-10x10 Window Kit (Blue)
-Unversial Molex Extractor
From Newegg
-92mm Fan Grill
-HEC Compucase HTPC
-2 Round UV IDE Cables

I'll probably be ordering in the next couple of weeks so expect to see a worklog. I'll have pictures soon.

[ComputerGuru64x2]

Well, I think im going to call it a night, but I did do some much needed prectice on PSU sleeving. I practiced on connectors and a old PSU. I'll probably order the stuff in about 2 weeks.
Thanks Guys
Chris
P.S.- This is going to need more sleeving than I thought so Im adding more 1inch heatshrink and sleeving to the list...

[DZ469]

alright man, sounds good. Ill be watching this to see how it turns out. good luck :banana: :bunny: :p :up:
Oh yeah and thanks for the +rep :D